11/01/13

Show will benefit Sun Ra Archives; 1965 Ran Blake album was his solo debut

ESP-Disk’, the New York City label that specialized in releasing free jazz and underground rock, is closing out its 50th year with a new signing, the first reissue of a “lost” Ran Blake recording and a 50th anniversary concert.

On Oct. 29, the company released a reissue of the rare 1965 album Ran Blake Plays Solo Piano. According to a press release, “This album, Blake’s solo debut, has barely been heard since its appearance in ESP-Disk’s first batch of LP releases in 1965, as the reissue programs in Europe (by the ZYX, Get Back, Abraxas, and Calibre labels) did not include it.”

Ran Blake

ESP-Disk’ has also signed the trio Tiger Hatchery, which will release its full-length debut, Sun Worship, on vinyl, CD and digital download Nov. 18

Finally, ESP-Disk’ has planned a concert Nov. 17 (3-9 PM) at JACK in Brooklyn. Featured performers will represent the past and present of ESP-Disk’: multi-instrumentalists Kali Fasteau, Giuseppi Logan, and Alan Sondheim, from the label’s 1965-75 heyday, and guitarist Bruce Eisenbeil and trio Tiger Hatchery representing the present day. Additionally, former Sun Ra Arkestra member Michael D. Anderson will perform. The latter part of the concert will be a jam session featuring a variety of guests. The concert will benefit the Sun Ra Music Archives.

JACK is located at 505 1/2 Waverly Ave., between Fulton St. and Atlantic Ave. in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn.